DNA/BSA interaction, anticancer, antimicrobial and catalytic applications of synthesis of nitro substituted pyrimidine-based Schiff base ligand capped nickel nanoparticles

Abstract

The objective of this research was to create stable nickel nanoparticles using nickel chloride salt and a Schiff base ligand called DPMN. The synthesis process involved a two-step phase transfer procedure. Spectroscopic techniques such as UV-Visible and FT-IR were used to confirm the formation of ligand-stabilized nickel nanoparticles (DPMN-NiNPs). To analyze the size, surface morphology, and quality of DPMN-NiNPs, SEM and TEM techniques were utilized. In vitro studies were performed to investigate the potential anticancer activity of the synthesized compounds against three different cancer cell lines and one normal cell line, and the results were compared to those of cis-platin. The researchers also conducted tests to determine the ability of DPMN-NiNPs to bind to CT-DNA using various techniques such as electronic absorption, fluorescence, viscometric, and cyclic voltammetric. The results showed that the synthesized DPMN-NiNPs exhibited good DNA binding ability, which was further validated by denaturation of DNA using thermal and sonochemical methods. The researchers also investigated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of DPMN-NiNPs, which demonstrated better biological activities than DPMN alone. Furthermore, the synthesized nano compounds were found to selectively damage cancer cell lines without harming normal cell lines. Finally, the researchers examined the potential of DPMN-NiNPs as a catalyst in dye degradation by testing its ability to decompose methyl red dye using UV-Visible spectroscopy.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

HIGHLIGHTS

• Bioactive organic Schiff-base ligand having head group and tail group was synthesized

• Head group interacted and stabilized the nickel nanoparticles

• Average size of the Ni nanoparticles is 45 nm

• Solid and stable nickel nanoparticles were prepared.

• Nickel nanoparticles have good biological properties as well as catalytical properties.

Keywords:

• Ni nanoparticles
• DNA binding
• BSA interaction
• anticancer
• dye degradation

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to extend their gratitude to the management, principal, department heads, and staff members of The American College, Madurai, and E.G.S. Pillay Engineering College, Nagapattinam for providing the necessary research facilities and unwavering support throughout the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Additionally, the authors express their sincere appreciation to the Department of Science and Technology (DST)-Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB Ref. No.: SR/FT/CS-117/2011 dated 29.06.2012) Government of India, New Delhi, for their financial assistance.